Luxury Minivans Are Gaining Popularity
Luxury minivans are becoming increasingly popular in China and other markets where buyers prefer spacious alternatives to traditional sedans and off-road vehicles. In Korea, this niche is occupied by the Kia Carnival Hi Limousine, which recently received an update for the 2026 model year.
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The Carnival Hi Limousine model was first introduced at the end of 2020 as the most premium version of the minivan, which differs not only in high-end equipment but also in its increased roof height, which at first glance might appear to be a roof box. In reality, this is a special roof extension designed to increase interior space and accommodate additional equipment.
For the new model year, the car received an updated design and technological improvements already present in the facelifted version of the Carnival, as well as additional features and, for the first time, an optional hybrid powertrain.
Updated Design and Interior
The exterior of the large Kia has become more expressive thanks to vertically positioned headlights, a rectangular radiator grille, new alloy wheels, and full-width LED rear lighting, as in the regular version. The signature feature remains the high roof, made of stamped steel to improve aerodynamics and create additional headroom inside.
Buyers can choose a configuration with four, seven, or nine seats, distributed in two or three rows. The most luxurious is the four-seat Signature execution, which includes rear captain’s chairs with extendable footrests, adjustable backrests, and a massage function to combat fatigue. A foot massager and a special shoe storage compartment have also been added.
Passenger Comfort
Rear passengers have access to a 21.5-inch roof-mounted screen with updated graphics, a 7-inch touch controller in the center console, wireless charging devices, folding tables, a clothes hanger, and a refrigerator. A new Bose audio system with 12 speakers is available as an option.
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Other updates for the 2026 model year include increased thickness of the floor mats with a new striped pattern and an additional stitching line on the folding curtains. Furthermore, the interior LED lighting and the “starry sky” on the high roof now have a memory function so that the desired settings are saved even after the ignition is turned off.
Comfort Improvements
More importantly, Kia has improved the ride comfort of the four-seat version by adding a damper, a soft pad, and lowering the height of the rear seats. These changes complement the general improvements in suspension tuning and sound insulation introduced with the Carnival facelift.
Technical Specifications
The updated model is available with two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine producing 290 hp (216 kW / 294 PS) and a turbocharged 1.6-liter self-charging hybrid producing 242 hp (180 kW / 245 PS). These options correspond to those of the standard Carnival, although the 2.2-liter diesel engine is not available for the Hi Limousine.
Pricing Policy
The 2026 Kia Carnival Hi Limousine is already available for order in Korea. Prices start at 63.27 million won ($45,900) for the newly introduced nine-seat Noblesse trim with the V6 engine and go up to 97.80 million won ($70,900) for the four-seat hybrid flagship Signature. For comparison, the regular Carnival costs from 36.36 to 52.11 million won ($26,400–$37,800).
The update of the Carnival Hi Limousine demonstrates the growing competition in the luxury minivan market, where comfort and technology are becoming decisive factors. The addition of a hybrid version aligns with the general trend towards greener solutions in the automotive industry, even in the premium segment. The variety of seating configurations and options allows the brand to cater to different buyer needs, from family trips to business transportation.